LAN and Pfluger Help Launch Build of New Texas Elementary

By Eric Althoff

ELGIN, Texas—A groundbreaking ceremony was held by the Elgin Independent School District for its latest elementary school, to be called Trinity Ranch Elementary, located just off U.S. 290.  Staff from Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam Inc. (LAN), the firm acting as the project’s program manager, were on hand for the event in addition to civic and school leaders.  Pfluger Architects designed the new elementary school.

The school will serve 800 students, and feature an art room, music room, cafeteria, outdoor learning spaces, gymnasium and modern library.  Trinity Ranch Elementary will be the Elgin ISD’s fifth elementary school when completed.  The work is funded thanks to the district’s $190-million bond program, $33 million of which is going toward the construction of Trinity Ranch itself.

“We are honored to have been selected as the program manager for the Elgin ISD bond program and are excited to kick off the Trinity Ranch Elementary project,” said Tim Strucely, LAN associate and program manager for the district’s bond program.  “Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality facility that meets the needs of the district and the community.”

“These schools are built around the guiding principles of care, community, collaboration and connection to the outdoors,” Jessica Molter, managing principal at Pfluger Architects’ Austin office, said in a statement released by the firm.  “By optimizing the use of space and encouraging a closer connection between students and the natural world, the design creates more meaningful educational experiences for tomorrow’s leaders.”

“We are thrilled to bring this new elementary school to the community,” Dr. Jana Rueter, Elgin ISD superintendent, said at the groundbreaking.  “Trinity Ranch Elementary will provide students with a modern learning environment that is designed to support their academic and social-emotional growth.  We are grateful to the Elgin community for their continued support and investment in our students’ futures.”

LAN is working on various districtwide improvements for EISD including two new elementary schools as well as upgrades to Elgin High School.  Trinity Ranch is due for completion in August 2025.

Elgin ISD encompasses more than 168 square miles in parts of Bastrop, Lee, and Travis Counties.